[Federal Register: March 10, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 46)]
[Notices]
[Page 10878]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10mr97-106]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains
and Associated Funerary Objects From Chautauqua and Onondaga Counties,
NY, in the Possession of the Springfield Science Museum, Springfield,
MA
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C.
3003 (d), of the completion of an inventory of human remains and
associated funerary objects in the possession of the Springfield
Science Museum, Springfield, MA.
A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Springfield
Science Museum professional staff in consultation with representatives
of the Onondaga Nation, the Seneca Nation of Indians, and the Tonawanda
Band of Senecas.
In 1925, human remains representing two individuals were donated to
the Springfield Science Museum by Mr. J.T. Bowne. No known individuals
were identified. The approximately 165 associated funerary objects
include mammal bone implements, stone implements; stone pendants; coral
fossils; red ochre; a brass triangular point; a metal ax; glass beads;
shells and shell beads; charred corn and beans; pottery; a red paint
stick; and sheet brass.
In 1907, Mr. J.T. Bowne purchased these human remains and
associated funerary objects from M.R. Harrington, who obtained these
remains from the Silverheels Site and the Page Jimmerson Site, in
Chautauqua County, NY.
These two sites, Silverheels Site and the Page Jimmerson Site were
all used as cemetery areas between the late precontact period into the
mid-nineteenth century. The associated funerary objects and manner of
internments indicate a continuity of occupation throughout this period
consistent with known traditional Iroquoian practices. Consultation
evidence presented by the Seneca Nation indicates these associated
funerary objects and burial practices are identical to Iroquoian,
specifically Seneca, traditional practices.
Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the
Springfield Science Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR
10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical
remains of two individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of
the Springfield Science Museum have also determined that, pursuant to
25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the approximately 165 objects listed above are
reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human
remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or
ceremony. Lastly, officials of the Springfield Science Museum have
determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a
relationship of shared group identity which can be reasonably traced
between these Native American human remains and associated funerary
objects and the Seneca Nation of Indians.
In 1861, human remains representing one individual was donated to
the Springfield Science Museum by Mr. H.O. Marcy. No known individual
was identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
H.O. Marcy removed these human remains from the ``Fort Lot Site'',
Onondaga County, NY. Consultation evidence presented by the Onondaga
Nation and the Haudenosunee Standing Committee on Burial Rules and
Regulations indicates that this site is likely one of several early
Onondaga historic villages in Onondaga County, NY which dated from the
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. These historic villages are often
referred to as ``forts'' or ``lots'' in nineteenth century historical
documents.
Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the
Springfield Science Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR
10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical
remains of one individual of Native American ancestry. Officials of the
Springfield Science Museum have also determined that, pursuant to 25
U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group identity which
can be reasonably traced between these Native American human remains
and associated funerary objects and the Onondaga Nation.
This notice has been sent to officials of the Haudenosaunee
Standing Committee on Burial Rules and Regulations, the Onondaga
Nation, the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma, the Seneca Nation of
Indians, and the Tonawanda Band of Senecas. Representatives of any
other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated
with these human remains and associated funerary objects should contact
John Pretola, Curator of Anthropology, Springfield Science Museums, 236
State Street, Springfield, MA 01103; telephone: (413) 263-6800, before
April 7, 1997. Repatriation of the human remains and associated
funerary objects to the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Onondaga
Nation may begin after that date if no additional claimants come
forward.
Dated: February 24, 1997.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Manager, Archeology and
Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 97-5781 Filed 3-7-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P